Exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
I just did an end-of-year, snowy-day visit to our Arts Museum. A very special Exhibit — China’s Terracotta Warriors. From the not-too-long-ago discovered tombs of China’s first Emperor. Several of the actual warrior ‘statues’ on exhibit — All lifesize; made of CLAY!! All sooooo ancient (200 BC). Truly amazing, awe-inspiring.
Photographs were not allowed — So I can only share a few images from the Museum Web Site:
I most appreciated the bit of history — Learning about the cultural significance of creating such pieces in clay, incorporating a more ‘everyday’ realism into the work — All a departure from previous ‘ceremonial’ pieces often made in bronze.
If you’re in the Twin Cities — Do try to check out the Exhibit (till January 20th). You can check out the Museum’s Info/Preview Page here:
http://www.artsmia.org/terracotta-warriors/preview.html
And for even more info/insight (including ‘how’ the warriors were made) — Here is a Link to PBS Show (very informative) on Terracotta Warriors:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/episodes/chinas-terracotta-warriors-watch-the-full-episode/844/
Hope everyone enjoys a bit of Art History now and then!
Marcia Tani Paul 
I saw the exhibit here in Montreal. It is a truly incredible feat of clay sculptures. I think my favourite works are the huge almost life size horses. I was blown away by the technical ability and the fluid artistry.. .
Hi Joan —
Thank you for sharing — So glad to hear that someone else has seen the Show. And yes, the horses were awesome! I also appreciated two bronze ‘replicas’ of horses pulling a carriage. They were only half life-size; they were pulling the carriage that would carry the Emperor through the afterworld. Amazing detail. Amazing sculpture; so ancient!
Happy New Year — Marcia Paul
My friend Jane saw the real deal in China about four years ago. I turned down an invite to join her on the trip. They say you only regret the things you DON’T
do. If this exhibit comes to Chicago I will be there.
Hi Judi — Thank you so much for your Comment! So sorry you didn’t join your friend on a trip to China.
I would LOVE to visit China to see all 7,000 Warriors lined up together, all made of clay!
Happy-Happy New Year! Marcia